BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS WALLINGFORD‐SWARTHMORE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Monday, January 23, 2017 Middle School Library 7:00 p.m. AT THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE BOARD CONDUCTED THE FOLLOWING BUSINESS BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Dr. Richard C. Sonntag. President Dr. Marylin Huff, Vice President Ms. Sally Morbeck, Treasurer Ms. Wendy Voet, Assistant Secretary Mr. Jerry Ballas Ms. Chapin Cimino Dr. Allison Karpyn (via phone) Dr. Robert C. Reiger Mr. Paul Schregel SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT 1)
Property Tax Elimination Legislation The Pennsylvania General Assembly has identified property tax elimination as a priority issue for this legislative session. Senator Argall, PA 29th District, has already written to all members of the Senate about his proposal to eliminate school property taxes effective July 1, 2017 and replace them with revenue from increases to personal income tax (a change from 3.07% to 4.95%) and sales tax (from 6% to 7% with an expanded base of taxable items). This legislation, if approved, would completely change the way public schools are funded in Pennsylvania and would have an immediate and dramatic impact on our District and our programs. The proposed legislation is being characterized as property tax elimination; however, it does not eliminate property taxes. Taxpayers would still pay some property taxes: county and municipal taxes (which are not included in the proposal) and school taxes in an amount equal to a district’s outstanding debt (which in our case is approximately 13% of our local taxes). To make school districts “whole,” the state would distribute funds from this new revenue source to districts in an amount equal to their local property tax revenue in 2016‐2017, minus what will be collected locally to pay for the district’s outstanding debt. This would mean funding the 2017‐2018 budget at the 2016‐2017 revenue level. Please consider this statement in the context of the budget being presented this evening. We are proposing a 2017‐2018 budget which recommends a tax increase of 3%, generating an additional $2,000,000 to support the operations of the school district next year. Highlights ‐ 1 January 23, 2017 The proposal does recognize that educational costs may increase and money may be needed for capital improvements. The plan would provide for an annual adjustment in funding to school districts based on a cost of living type of formula. School districts would be allowed to seek a voter referendum tied to an increase in local Earned Income Tax (EIT) or Personal Income Tax (PIT) for capital improvements, but not for operating expenses. The Wallingford‐Swarthmore School District does not levy an EIT or PIT. On January 9th, the Independent Fiscal Office released a report demonstrating a require‐
ment of $14 billion in alternative revenue sources to fill the void of eliminating property taxes in the 2016‐2017 fiscal year. The funds raised under this new proposal would meet the need for year one, but will never meet the projected revenue needed for each year thereafter. In the 2017‐2018 budget that will be presented this evening, the Wallingford‐Swarthmore School District expects to receive only 19% of our revenue from the state. Under this proposed new funding plan, the state would be responsible for providing 87% of the District’s revenue. Based on past experiences, there is never a guarantee on the level of annual school funding from Harrisburg, nor when the funding will arrive, nor when the legislature will adopt its budget. This proposed legislation, which shifts the funding of education from property tax to income and sales taxes, fails to address the underlying costs driving school district budgets, the largest of which is our required payment into the state retirement system. This is the single largest cost driver of our budget increases over the past eight years, and it is beyond our control. This proposal does not generate additional funds for education, nor control mandated costs. Further, it does not provide meaningful tax relief. While property tax reform may be desirable, it must be addressed in a responsible manner. There are quite a few additional considerations, but I have chosen to highlight just a few for you here at this time. I cannot tell you how concerned I am over this soon‐to‐be‐
proposed legislation. To that end, we have already been in contact with our legislators and have begun our advocacy efforts. Last week, I met with Representative Krueger‐Braneky, and Ms. Kew and I met with Senator McGarrigle. We discussed our District demo‐
graphics, our budget situation, and the profound impact this legislation would have on our District and community. We have a meeting scheduled with Senator Killion this week to have a similar discussion. The legislature returned to Harrisburg today so we are watching their actions very carefully. In the meantime, we will continue to inform and advocate for our children and community, and we will share more details about this proposed legislation as they become available. This concludes my report. Highlights ‐ 2 January 23, 2017 FOCUS TOPIC PRESENTATION 
Presentation of the Proposed 2017‐2018 Preliminary General Fund Budget Superintendent Palmer introduced and welcomed our Business Administrator, Martha Kew, to present the Proposed 2017‐2018 Preliminary Budget. Dr. Palmer reminded everyone that the budget remains a work in progress until the Board adopts the final budget at the end of May. Ms. Kew’s presentation covered budget priorities, district goals, brief look at some of the District’s accomplishments, and a review of the process of building and reviewing the Proposed Preliminary Budget. A copy of the Budget presentation and the 2017‐2018 Proposed Preliminary General Fund Budget can be found on the District’s website under the Business Office tab. 
Presentation of Proposed Changes to Strath Haven High School Silver Guide Dr. Yannacone, Strath Haven High School Principal, was joined this evening by her Assistant Principals, Kris Brown, Andrea LaPira, and Tom McLaughlin, as well as Secondary Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Denise Jones. In keeping in line with the District goals, Dr. Yannacone has been working with her team to reimagine our educational program at the High School. A copy of the Proposed Changes to the SHHS Silver Guide Presentation can be found on the District’s website. MINUTES The Board approved the minutes of the January 9, 2017 Regular Business Meeting. PERSONNEL The Board of School Directors approved the following sabbatical and leaves of absence:
Certified Staff 
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Theodora Psitos, teacher, Strath Haven Middle School, professional development sabbatical, second semester, 2016‐2017 school year Daniel Zimmermann, Teacher, Strath Haven High School, paid FMLA leave (use of sick days), January 30, 2017 through on, or about February 27, 2017 Ellen Coopersmith, Teacher, Swarthmore‐Rutledge School, paid FMLA leave (use of sick days), January 30, 2017 through February 28, 2017 The Board of School Directors approved the following appointments: Non-Certified Staff
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Gina McCaughan, Instructional Support, Wallingford Elementary School, effective January 17, 2017, replacing Rebecca DiIenno, $12.33 per hour, 7.25 hours per day, Short‐
Term Substitute Highlights ‐ 3 January 23, 2017 
Colleen Glackin, Instructional Support, Wallingford Elementary School, effective January 17, 2017 through April 7, 2017, replacing Melissa Gallagher, $12.33 per hour, 7.5 hours per day, Short‐Term Substitute The Board approved the additions to the 2016‐2017 conference requests, as stipulated. The Board approved the extension of assignment, effective January 30, 2017, as listed: Name Catherine Hopkins From Long Term Substitute, SRS, replacing Ellen Coopersmith To Long Term Substitute, SRS, through February 28, 2017 replacing Ellen Coopersmith The Board approved the additions/deletion to the 2016‐2017 spring athletic and activities supplemental appointment lists, as stipulated. WSSD BOARD POLICY Upon recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board approved the second reading of the following policies, as presented: Second Reading 
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113.4 Confidentiality of Special Education Student Information 203 Immunizations and Communicable Diseases 
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204 209 217 907 Attendance (rev. from 1st reading) Health/Examinations/Screenings Graduation Requirements School Visitors CURRICULUM The Board approved student #1755039, Strath Haven High School, for homebound instruction. The Board approved the related services provider contract for the 2016‐2017 school year and a tuition contract for the 2016‐2017 school year. The approved the ASSE International Student Exchange Programs application to permit foreign exchange student Stella Becker from Germany, to attend Strath Haven High School as a j10th grader, on a tuition‐free basis, for the 2017‐2018 school year. Ms. Becker will reside in the District with Shauna and Geoffrey Armstrong. The Board approved the proposed Silver Guide Program Planner for Strath Haven High School for the 2017‐2018 school year. Highlights ‐ 4 January 23, 2017 FINANCE The Board approved the payment of invoices to vendors dated November 30, 2016 through January 17, 2017. The Board approved financial documents and budget transfers for the months of November and December 2016. The Board approved the 4‐year Ricoh USA, Inc. lease agreement for the replacement of 16 district copiers. The Board approved the Agreement for Design and Consulting Services with ELA Sport for consulting and design services for the repairs and resurfacing of the track at the SHMS stadium including site analysis, construction documents, bid administration, and construction administration at a cost not to exceed of $7,000 plus estimated reimbursable expense of $750. The Board approved the 3‐year extension of the local auditor services with BBD, LLP for a fixed rate of $18,500 per year. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:52 PM. BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS ARE NOT OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Highlights ‐ 5 January 23, 2017